A Fresh Start

By Rabbi Daniel Travis

Lying is such a serious transgression that it is compared to idol
worship.1 Truth, on the other hand, is
such a fundamental value in Jewish thought that clinging to truth can lead
one to a life of Torah observance, as described in the following story.

An inveterate thief once approached a rav with the announcement that he
had decided to abandon his life of crime. He begged the rav to tell him
what he could do to make amends for his many acts of theft. He fully
expected the rav to instruct him to undergo a rigorous process of
repentance.

The rav, however, realized that any such stringent regimen would prove too
difficult for the penitent thief, and he would not be able to maintain it
for long. He therefore told the thief that the only change he would need
to accept upon himself was an absolute dedication to truth under all
circumstances; he should never allow himself to utter even the smallest
lie. The thief gave his word that he would do as the rav had instructed
him, and with that he left the rav's home, delighted that so little was
being demanded of him.

It was not long before the thief's excitement over the notion of repenting
wore off, and he was seized by the urge to rob someone's house. As he was
on his way to carry out his intention, someone inquired of him where he
was headed. Remembering the one promise he had made to the rav, he would
not lie, but neither could he bring himself to tell the truth - that he
was going to commit a theft. He therefore changed his mind about his
anticipated action, and returned home. This scene repeated itself in
various forms again and again, until finally he realized that his career
as a thief was over; never again would he attempt to steal. He was then
able to put his past behind him completely and make a fresh start.2